In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai

Today, I’m speaking with james taylor-foster - a curator, writer, and cultural leader investigating how the creativity of artists, designers, and thinkers reimagines our world – shaping popular culture and public life. Recently appointed Executive Director of Para Site, Hong Kong’s leading non-profit contemporary art centre, James's practice bridges contemporary art, design, architecture, and digital culture.As a convenor and curator he blurs disciplinary boundaries, exploring unconventional ways of nurturing institutions and their audiences. This expansive approach is both greenhouse and staging ground: cultivating emergent ideas for wider cultural spheres while building ambitious platforms for assembling many forms of making into new ways of seeing, feeling, and imagining.James’ work shines light on how creativity continually re-envisions reality, and it was in a talk he gave at the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute earlier this year, that I heard him speak about “world-glimsping” – a phrase he coined to describe the curious, evocative and transporting ways in which artists of all stripes can invite us into alternative experiences that both broaden and deepen our felt sense of the futures we might yet create together.As our dominant social and generative AI platforms continue to commoditise, capture and corode not only our attention, but also our imaginations, I couldn’t resist asking James to come onto the show and share his vision of the power of creativity to shape what comes next.WEBSITEShttps://james.tf/https://www.para-site.art/2026/03/16/welcoming-james-taylor-foster-as-para-sites-next-executive-director/ CHAPTERS3:19 Homogenisation and Creativity5:10 Design and Frictionless Society7:06 Infantilisation and Technology10:17 Crisis of Creativity13:52 Death and Vulnerability29:11 Transhumanism and Embodiment30:00 Cultural Spaces and Information Overload31:55 Monogamous Mind, Polyamorous Terror39:21 Ritual, Non-Dualism and Initiation46:34 World Glimpsing and Role-play54:25 Reflection and Journaling

Today I have the absolute pleasure of being in conversation with a very dear friend, Dr Aaron Balick. A long-time companion of the podcast, Aaron is an internationally recognised psychotherapist, keynote speaker, author, and business and media consultant who applies depth-psychology to help people better understand themselves, business, and culture in the digital age.Specialising in the psychological impact of technology, AI, and social media, Aaron translates complex ideas into accessible insights for professional development, leadership, and business transformation.With over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, he’s one of the most scintillating, thought-provoking and wise thought-leaders I’ve encountered in my many years on the speaker circuit. He’s a sought after keynote speaker, renowned for his poignant and actionable insights about how we meet and grow through our challenges, understand human relational dynamics, and navigate the myriad ways in which technologies are shaping our inner and outer lives.A trusted media contributor and long-time collaborator with the BBC, Aaron also has a regular psychology column at GQ and his broadcast work includes the BAFTA-nominated Suicide and Me, BBC Radio 1’s The Surgery, and Radio 4’s The Moral Maze and The Digital Human. His insights have been featured in The Guardian, Wired, Newsweek, and beyond.SUMMARYIn this conversation, Nathalie Nahai and Dr Aaron Balick discuss the complexities of the global human psyche, exploring themes of fear, the impact of AI on therapy, and the nature of synthetic relationships. They discuss the challenges posed by technology in human connection, the polarization of society, and the need for economic and social change. The dialogue also touches on the importance of interpersonal relationships, the search for meaning in discomfort, and the role of myths in navigating contemporary challenges. Ultimately, they emphasize the necessity of grounding oneself in reality and fostering genuine connections to navigate the complexities of modern life.WEBSITEShttps://www.aaronbalick.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/draaronb/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/profile/aaron-balickBOOKS & RESOURCESThe Little Book of Calm: Tame Your Anxieties, Face Your Fears, and Live Free – Dr Aaron Balick (https://www.aaronbalick.com/books)The Psychodynamics of Social Networking: Connected-up instantaneous culture and the self – Dr Aaron Balick(https://www.aaronbalick.com/books)The Trading Game: A Confession – Gary Stevenson (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/727417/the-trading-game-by-gary-stevenson/) CHAPTERS02:18 The Impact of AI on Therapy05:28 Navigating Polarization and Media Influence08:13 The Role of Community in Addressing Loneliness11:15 The Dangers of Synthetic Relationships14:25 The Importance of Pain in Growth17:18 Philosophical Perspectives on Free Will and Relationships29:57 The Nature of AI Relationships30:52 Human Consciousness and Algorithms33:33 Exploring the Unconscious Mind37:35 The Cosmic Unconscious40:19 Responding to Life's Challenges43:01 Liminal Moments and Initiation45:43 Myths for the Modern Age49:37 Personal Myths and Individual Responsibility53:37 Practices for Self-Discovery

Today, I’m delighted to speak with a truly exceptional guest - Caroline Chubb Calderon. A strategic advisor, futurist, humanist and executive “future coach”, Caroline is one of these remarkable leaders whose expertise and skill are deeply rooted in the ground of compassion, care and love for the living world.Devoted to reimagining the future of humanity in the age of intelligent machines, her work focuses on the roles we humans can play in the coming redefinition of human-machine relationships, what it means to be human in a world of limitless algorithms, the future of work and society, and, most especially, how we might develop leaders to lead this revolution with integrity, ethics and a view towards multi-generational benefit. With her team at HelloHumanity, Caroline works with future-shapers to enhance the qualities of humanity that are so critical at this juncture in the development of AI – those qualities that will continue to set us apart from robots, machines and algorithms, including ethical and moral decision-making, imagination, socio-emotional intelligence, and daring and visionary leadership.  Having spoken at TEDx and on prominent stages around the world, Caroline is actively involved with IEEE’s working groups defining the standards for Ethical AI, and she has contributed to two seminal books on disruptive leadership. She has also worked with some of the most imaginative organizations on the planet, guest lectured at many top MBA schools and leadership forums, and won awards for her work with Fortune 100 clients.Caroline is also a senior meditation teacher and brings the ethics of western and eastern wisdom into her work. She fuses together the fields of innovation, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, ethics, purpose-driven leadership, behavioral science, and neuroscience to prepare executives to take their most important helm — to lead for humanity. SUMMARYIn this conversation, Caroline Chubb Calderon and Nathalie Nahai explore the complexities of the global human psyche amidst rapid technological transformation. They discuss the importance of introspection, the need for collective action, and the role of technology in fostering human connection. The dialogue emphasizes empathy, compassion, and community as essential elements for navigating the challenges posed by AI and other disruptive forces. They envision a flourishing future that prioritizes regenerative economic models, equitable governance, and a deep understanding of interconnection within nature. Ultimately, they call for a shift in consciousness towards right relationships with life and a commitment to nurturing the planet and each other.WEBSITEShttps://www.carolinechubbcalderon.com/https://www.hellohumanity.com/BOOKS & RESOURCESThe AI Con (https://thecon.ai/) – Dr. Emily M. Bender & Dr. Alex HannaThe Children’s Fire (https://amzn.to/4dnP0GT) – Mac McCartneyCHAPTERS03:08 Introspection vs. Collective Action06:05 The Role of Compassion in Action08:43 Reconnecting with Nature and Community11:55 Imagining a Flourishing Future with AI14:52 Rethinking Economic Models in the Age of AI28:12 The Power Dynamics of AI and Governance29:33 Democracy in the Age of AI31:17 Envisioning a Council of Life33:48 The Ethical Implications of AI Technology36:07 Transforming Power Structures37:53 Shifting from Extractive to Regenerative Mindsets41:27 Interconnection and Human-Centric Thinking45:04 The Role of Humans in a Regenerative Future50:42 Contemplating Right Relationship with Life

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Ismael Kherroubi Garcia, the Founder & CEO of Kairoi, the AI Ethics & Research Governance Consultancy; the Founder of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network (RAIN) organised by Fellows of the RSA; and Associate Director of We and AI, promoting AI literacy for social inclusion. Ismael’s work in responsible AI has allowed him to draw on his diverse experiences, having worked across fintech, museums, theatre and academia, in sales, human resources and research; and at organisations as diverse as Bloomberg, the Royal Opera House and NASA.Ismael's training in Business Management and Philosophy of the Social Sciences now informs practical but nuanced approaches to how businesses innovate whilst communicating and adhering to their own values. A key tenet of his work is to advocate for a form of humility that encourages us to bring in voices from different backgrounds where we find gaps in our own understandings. The results are ways of working grounded in meaningful collaborations across organisational departments and with different stakeholders.Ismael’s work in responsible AI has meant developing AI frameworks and practices across sectors, from charities and universities, to standards development organisations and government bodies. Underpinning all his work is Kairoi’s AI Ethics Canvas and the Four Pillars of Responsible AI for organisational practices: better communications, relevant technical standards, meaningful public engagement and robust governance.  SUMMARYIn this conversation, Nathalie Nahai and Ismael Kherroubi Garcia explore the complexities of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. They discuss Ismael's journey into AI ethics, the importance of defining AI, and the need for public engagement through storytelling. The conversation highlights the challenges of data quality, the risks of deploying AI without proper consideration, and the societal pressures surrounding AI adoption. They emphasise the role of organisations in shaping responsible AI practices and the necessity of critical thinking in the face of AI hype.WEBSITEShttps://kairoi.uk/  https://weandai.org/https://www.turing.ac.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismaelkherroubi/BOOKS & RESOURCESThe AI Con (https://thecon.ai/) – Dr. Emily M. Bender & Dr. Alex HannaAI Snake Oil (https://www.aisnakeoil.com/) – Prof. Arvind Narayanan & Sayash KapoorCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to AI and Ethics05:03 Defining AI: Tools and Research11:00 Using Stories to Engage with AI17:06 The Role of AI in Creativity23:05 The Alienation of Work and AI37:50 AI Tools and Their Impact on Society49:53 Challenges in AI Deployment01:00:26 Navigating AI in the Workplace

In this conversation, I speak with Dr. Margaret Heffernan – a renowned entrepreneur, CEO, keynote speaker and author, and professor of Practice at the University of Bath’s School of Management.Having produced programmes for the BBC in the UK for 13 years, Margaret moved to the US where she spearheaded multimedia productions for Intuit, The Learning Company and Standard & Poors. She was Chief Executive of InfoMation Corporation, ZineZone Corporation and then iCast Corporation, was named one of the “Top 25” by Streaming Media magazine and one of the “Top 100 Media Executives” by The Hollywood Reporter. Lead Faculty for the Forward Institute’s Responsible Leadership Programme, Margaret also mentors CEOs and senior executives of major global organizations through Merryck & Co., and she chairs the board of DACS.The author of seven books, Margaret’s third book, Willful Blindness : Why We Ignore the Obvious at our Peril was named one of the most important business books of the decade by the Financial Times. In 2015, she was awarded the Transmission Prize for A Bigger Prize: Why Competition isn’t Everything and How We Do Better, which was described as “meticulously researched…engagingly written…universally relevant and hard to fault.” Her TED talks have been seen by over 13 million people and in 2015 TED published Beyond Measure: The Big Impact of Small Changes.Her penultimate book, Uncharted: How to map the future was published in 2020, and quickly became a bestseller – not only was it nominated for the Financial Times Best Business Book award, it was also one of Bloomberg’s Best Books of 2021 and was chosen as the “Medium Best of the Best” business book. In 2024, she was inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, in recognition of her lasting impact on management thinking.Her new book, Embracing Uncertainty - How Writers, Musicians & Artists Thrive in an Unpredictable World, has just been published, and it’s some of these poignant themes that we’ll be exploring in our conversation today. SUMMARYIn this conversation, Nathalie Nahai and Margaret Heffernan discuss navigating uncertainty in our data-driven world, emphasizing imagination and creativity in leadership. Their dialogue explores the value of taking time to think and balancing thought with action, while highlighting how diverse experiences foster creativity. They advocate for embracing unpredictability rather than seeking certainty, and examine the complex relationship between AI, creativity, and human experience. The conversation touches on how neoliberal economics has affected individualism and artistic expression, while emphasizing the importance of personal anchors, literature, and art. Throughout their exchange, they reflect on finding meaning through curiosity and rest, and the significance of making small but meaningful contributions to humanity, illustrated by the hummingbird parable. Their conversation ultimately explores how we can flourish amid uncertainty by nurturing creativity and maintaining meaningful connections.WEBSITESwww.mheffernan.comTED Talks: https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_the_human_skills_we_need_in_an_unpredictable_worldBOOKSEmbracing Uncertainty - How writers, musicians & artists thrive in an unpredictable world – Margaret Heffernan (https://www.mheffernan.com/book-embracinguncertainty.php)Willful Blindness : Why We Ignore the Obvious at our Peril – Margaret Heffernan (https://www.mheffernan.com/book-wilfulblindness.php)A Bigger Prize: Why Competition isn’t Everything and How We Do Better – Margaret Heffernan (https://www.mheffernan.com/book-abiggerprize.php)Beyond Measure: The Big Impact of Small Changes – Margaret Heffernan / TED (https://www.mheffernan.com/book-beyondmeasure.php)Uncharted: How to map the future – Margaret Heffernan (https://www.mheffernan.com/book-uncharted.php)CHAPTERS00:00 Navigating Uncertainty in the Global Psyche02:59 The Role of Creativity in a Data-Driven World05:50 Embracing Imagination and Unpredictability09:07 The Importance of Thinking Time11:59 The Need for Action in Leadership14:56 Balancing Thought and Action17:56 Cultivating Creativity in a Technological Age20:59 Finding Meaning in Diverse Experiences23:59 The Art of Time Management31:34 Crafting a Creative Routine33:05 The Nature of Creativity and AI41:05 The Human Experience in Art47:35 Navigating Uncertainty and Creativity52:54 The Impact of Neoliberal Economics on Creativity57:37 Embracing Change and Unpredictability

In this final episode of the season, I speak with Joanna Kavenna - an English novelist, essayist and travel writer of Welsh extraction, who has written six books which explore themes of history, travel, reality and society.Having grown up in Britain, and lived in the US, France, Germany, China, Sri Lanka, Scandinavia, Italy and the Baltic states, Joanna is the author of several critically acclaimed works of fiction and nonfiction, including The Ice Museum, Inglorious, Come to the Edge, A Field Guide to Reality and – most recently - Zed. Her novel Inglorious won the Orange Award for New Writing, and her novel The Birth of Love was longlisted for the Orange Prize.Joanna’s writing has appeared in The New Yorker, London Review of Books, The New York Times and many other publications, and she was named as one of the Telegraph’s Best Writers under 40 in 2010 and as one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists in 2013. She has also held the Alistair Horne Fellowship at St Antony’s College Oxford and the Harper-Wood at St John’s College Cambridge.I first came across Joanna at a philosophy festival in London over the summer, called How The Light Gets In, and I had the pleasure of hearing her speak on a panel about technology, society and the future. I was mesmerised by her shimmering, constellated and poetic way of thinking and speaking, and I couldn’t resist asking if she might join me on the show. Luckily for me (and for you) she said yes, and I’m excited to share this wide-ranging conversation with you today! SUMMARYIn this conversation, we explore the historical implications of technological advancements, the ethical considerations surrounding data usage, and the importance of agency and cognitive liberty. We touch on the nature of reality, the search for beauty in dark times, and the need for hope and resilience amidst societal challenges. Ultimately, we emphasise the necessity for participatory democracy and ethical frameworks in shaping the future of technology. KEY THEMES·      AI is a reflection of the global human psyche.·      The historical context of technology influences art and society.·      Data usage without consent raises ethical concerns.·      Emerging technologies can lead to both progress and peril.·      Agency is crucial in navigating a tech-driven world.·      Cognitive liberty is essential for personal autonomy.·      AI can simulate human interaction but lacks true consciousness.·      Reality is often distorted by technological representations.·      Finding beauty in everyday moments can foster resilience.·      Hope is vital in facing the challenges of modern life. WEBSITEShttp://www.joannakavenna.com/ BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCESZed – Joanna Kavenna (http://www.joannakavenna.com/zed/)We – Eugene Zamiatin (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76171.We)Picnic Comma Lightning – Laurence Scott (https://amzn.to/4fKGnpW)History for Tomorrow – Roman Krznaric (https://amzn.to/3YOGtWI)Panel on AI ethics – https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/event/is-ethical-ai-a-fantasy/ MUSIChttps://nathalienahai.hearnow.com/ CHAPTERS00:00 Exploring the Global Human Psyche05:52 Historical Context of Technology and Art11:54 Cognitive Liberty and Data Privacy17:30 The Role of Participatory Democracy23:09 The Future of Human Interaction with Technology30:21 The Humanization of AI and Its Implications36:52 Chaos, Control, and the Essence of Being Human43:07 The Dangers of Digital Gaslighting50:18 Legislative Change and the Fight for Digital Rights56:41 Surveillance Technology and Control01:03:41 The Future of Technology and Society

Today I’m in conversation with Tami Rosen - a recognised thought leader, influencer and senior executive in HR, who has spent her career transforming the impact of Human Resources as a senior executive for some of the world’s most recognized companies, including Goldman Sachs, Apple, Luminar Technologies, Atlassian, and, most recently, Pagaya, where she currently holds the title of Chief People Officer and leads a dynamic workforce of over 750+ across Israel and the United States.Passionate about philanthropy, coaching, mentoring and helping the future generation of leaders, Tami embodies a leadership style steeped in inclusivity and innovation. She has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives focused on the advancement of underrepresented communities, from establishing Wall Street's inaugural, award-winning LGBTQ+ Ally Program at Goldman Sachs, to designing the framework for Atlassian's 'TEAM Anywhere' program that has redefined remote work paradigms. Her contribution to Pagaya is cemented in the company's foundational value: 'Culture of Learning,' which centralises learning and education in all aspects of the organisation.Tami's visionary perspective goes beyond viewing people as a company's most valuable asset; instead, she sees HR as a disruptive technology and innovative force that drives business operations and capabilities beyond the imaginable. Her forward-thinking approach positions HR as a catalyst for transformative change, shaping the future of organizations – which is exactly what drew me to speaking with her today.SUMMARYIn this conversation, we explore the importance of embracing change and fostering a culture of continuous learning within organisations. Tami also discusses the role of AI in enhancing financial inclusion, while acknowledging the challenges and ethical considerations that come with its implementation. The conversation touches on the significance of feedback, resilience, and the need for human connection in the workplace, ultimately framing flourishing as a personal journey guided by one's passions and adaptability.KEY THEMES·      Embracing change can lead to opportunities.·      Continuous learning is essential for personal and organizational growth.·      AI can enhance financial inclusion but comes with challenges.·      People strategy must align with business strategy for success.·      Feedback is a crucial tool for personal development.·      Resilience is built through learning from failures.·      Flourishing requires a clear sense of direction and control.·      Flexibility in work arrangements is increasingly expected.·      Music and the arts can provide solace and inspiration during tough times.WEBSITEShttps://pagaya.com/BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCESSong Exploder (Podcast) - https://bit.ly/4aQ3HAeMUSIChttps://nathalienahai.hearnow.com/ CHAPTERS06:03 Challenges and Embracing Change12:02 Pagaya: Using AI to Make Financial Opportunities More Accessible16:06 Challenges and Pitfalls of AI in Finance21:27 AI's Impact on Creativity and Imagination24:12 Flourishing in a Time of Acceleration and Disruption27:03 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Business Longevity31:24 Mistakes Tech Companies Make in Business Longevity34:48 Creating Cultures that Enable People to Flourish37:19 Flexibility in Work Schedules39:00 Balancing Employee Care and Business Continuity39:41 Humanizing Tech and Setting Expectations40:43 Creating a Learning Culture42:33 Exploring AI and Embracing its Potential43:55 The Role of AI in Personal and Professional Growth46:48 The Value of Feedback and Self-Reflection48:18 Practices for Navigating Turmoil52:36 Orienting Towards Life and Beauty on Dark Days53:51 Finding Freedom in Music and Creativity54:54 Roots and Anchors: Family and Living Each Day